Sodaplay: My first impression is how awesome it is to construct a microworld that functions properly. I can imagine that there is a lot of hard work and dedication put into making a microworld. The term microworld is appropriate for this type of tool. It is a mini-world. The purpose of this microworld is to show its visitors the different types of simulations that there are. Some required very little interaction and some begged for the viewer to experiment and solve problems virtually. It could be used with elementary students by allowing students to interact with colors and numbers in a virtual world.
Simulation: My first impression of NET FROG was how useful it could be in the classroom. As far as using this simulation with students, I thought it was great. It provides students to participate in virtual dissection of a frog. It provides movies, images, text, and interactive exercises. This website’s simulation does promote meaningful learning because of the learning resources it provides. A teacher can expand on what the website offers by using it as an enrichment activity. It provides steps and a list of knowledge students need to gain the most knowledge about the topic of the website so that the words and simulation is relatable. My first impression of Funderstanding Roller Coaster was how comical it was. While loading the simulation, it periodically flashed sentences that young children may be thinking while waiting on the simulation to load. As far as using this simulation with students, I think they would enjoy it. The topic is very relatable for young people outside of the classroom. Many people do not think about the mind-work (in this case, physics) that goes behind building these thrill-machines. It does promote meaningful learning. It can build a student’s understanding of how physics and the different topics within it (i.e. forces) can influence a machine’s ability to function properly. An unsuccessful simulation means that your rollercoaster could have ended the lives of thrill-seekers.
UNIQUE online simulation: Plant Growth Simulation
http://www.fastplants.org/genetics/Introductions/plantgrowth.htm
My first impression of this website simulation is how beneficial it can be for young gardeners. Students in the first or second grade can virtually grow a plant on the computer before planting one in real life. Depending on the amount of nutrition your students provides a plant, the plant may be large or small and with few features or a lot of different parts/features.
Educational Gaming: My first impression of Darfur is Dying was how serious the topic is. This website could be used with students in history. It is centered on the refugees of Sudan and their struggle for survival. It promotes meaningful learning. Teachers can make students reflect on what they learned from the game. I think the most meaning will be pulled from a class discussion where the teacher of the classroom is the facilitator. Of course, the questions and topics that the teacher brings up should be preplanned. These questions should pull deep meanings out of the game that scratch way beneath the surface. My first impression of Ayiti: The Cost of Life was how realistic the topic is, also. This website could be used with students to examine the meaning of poverty and how difficult it is to succeed because of all of the distracting factors the people of Ayiti face. Just like Darfur is Dying, it promotes meaningful learning. It’s a great discussion starter. This game could be linked mathematics and social studies. My first impression of Third World Farmer was how detailed the website was.
This website could be used with students in several ways. I think the most beneficial subject would be economics or social studies. It promotes meaningful learning by allowing students to participate in a virtual field that they farm. They get to see how much seed cost, how it grows over time and how this effects what they plant, etc.
Online Game: Wild Word West
http://funschool.kaboose.com/time-warp/games/game-wild-word-west.html
My first impression of the website was how cool the theme was. Children will most likely love the deep western theme. This website will help students expand their vocabulary. It does this in a fun and interactive way with vibrant colors. This game is geared for students Pre-K to First Grade. It addressed Gee’s principles for a modern game design: The game is interactive, requires students to take risks, allows students to practice over and over again, overt telling is kept to a minimum and much more.
Virtual World:
http://www.whyville.net/smmk/nice; http://www.tootsville.com/
I did find a virtual world that was appropriate for Elementary Aged Students. These places are designed for kids to play kids games, craft, color and explore. Both of these websites provide chat rooms. Parents and Teachers should be aware that sometimes predators come to this website in lieu of starting conversation with innocent children for the wrong reasons. In conclusion, parents and teachers should keep a watchful eye on children as they embark their adventures.
Digital Interactive Media Project:
Currently, I have never taken a class on programming. I do not know how to write HTML code or any other programming languages.
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I enjoyed your Wild West Time Warp game. I thought students would have fun while still learning definitions. Rather than just vocabulary words being shown the game used interactive multimodal horses and lassos. Students must also be active learners and find the correct word before the time runs out.
ReplyDeleteThe virtual world you selected also looked like fun. I especially like the idea that you can create your own person. This virtual world looked very social so students will have lots of opportunities to interact with other students. Students will learn important life skills, including social skills by interacting with others.
The Wild West Word game was really fun to play and did a good job at working with students on their vocabulary. It allows students to learn while having fun. The words are relevant for students in upper elementary school and could be used as a good supplement to prepare them for FCAT. Overall this was a fun yet very educational game.
ReplyDeleteThis stimulation was very interesting and I feel that as a teacher I would use it as an aid to promote meaningful learning. It allows students to virtually take care of a plant. It shows the students the stages that a plant goes through and how to truly care for one. This stimulation gives students practice before they have the hands on experience of actually planting one.
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